"Miya, Matsu, Kazehana, Karasuba, Homura, Akitsu, Yume, Tsukiumi, Hikari… everyone—"
"It's been wonderful being your Ashikabi…"
"It's been wonderful being your husband…"
"It's been wonderful fighting alongside you…"
"The days I've spent with you have been truly happy!"
"So—"
"Wait for me to return!"
Smiling, Sora glanced at all the girls behind him, as if etching their images into his soul.
He turned around, no longer hesitating, and with the wings of wind on his back, he prepared to leave.
"Sora…"
"Ashikabi-sama…"
"Master…"
"Sora-kun…"
Though it was a cheerful farewell, for some reason, seeing Sora like this made the girls feel an inexplicable unease.
However, none of them stopped him.
Because they believed in him, so they silently supported him.
Of course, except for one person.
"What do you mean, Karasuba?"
Seeing Karasuba's blade pressed against his neck, Sora frowned and spoke.
The other girls were also startled by this sudden turn of events, not knowing what madness No. 4 was up to now. They nervously gathered around, ready to intervene if she dared to harm their Ashikabi-sama…
"No.95, use your ability on him too."
"Hey, no—double it!"
Though her body was tattered and her face still bore a few bloody scars, Karasuba wore her usual wicked sm, issuing an unyielding command to Hisako.
"Ah? Yes!"
Snapping out of her surprise, Kuno immediately responded, a smile appearing on her pale face, making her look even more delicate.
Understanding Karasuba's intentions, the girls all breathed a sigh of relief. Wanting to care for Ashikabi-sama but using such an overbearing and misleading method—truly the style of the legendary Dark Wing No.4!
The girls all wore knowing smiles, and even Miya couldn't help but chuckle wryly.
"No need, Kuno's ability doesn't work on me. She's already overexerted herself by blessing everyone earlier. She can't use her ability again."
Sora didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but he felt a warmth in his heart. However, seeing Kuno's pale face, he shook his head and refused.
"Move again, and I'll kill you!"
"No.95, remember, I said double it!"
Karasuba remained unmoved. With a slight press of her blade, she drew a thin line of blood on Sora's neck and repeated her command to Kuno.
"Hehe, Master, I was forced by Karasuba-sama!"
"Don't worry, I can handle this much."
"Though my blessing might not have any effect on Master's power, this is the collective hope of everyone. Please accept it!"
Kuno stuck out her tongue playfully at Sora, her face full of mischief. At the same time, she activated her ability, and several golden, mystical notes materialized, merging into Sora's body.
Sweating profusely, Sora couldn't stop her now. Looking at Karasuba's smug expression, he sighed deeply. This was what they called "karma," right?
After applying the blessing, Kuno, already exhausted, became even weaker, unable to stand and collapsed to the ground.
Quick to react, Sora caught her in his arms, gently brushing her hair aside and planting a soft kiss on her forehead.
Karasuba, having made her point, sheathed her weapon, snorted at Sora, and turned her head away.
"Don't worry, I've received everyone's feelings," Sora whispered softly, then handed Kuno over to the other girls to care for.
Without hesitation, he transformed into a streak of light and shot into the sky.
"Wow, Karasuba-sama, you were so cool just now!"
"Yeah, yeah, I want to try holding a blade to Master's neck too!"
"Karasuba-sama, I love you so much!"
…
Chiyo, Yuna, and Hatae, Karasuba's die-hard fans, were filled with admiration, surrounding her and chattering away, their voices full of worship and envy.
Meanwhile, Homura and Yashima, also members of the Black Wings, stood aloof, instinctively distancing themselves from these crazy women. Only when they looked at the distant figure in the sky did a hint of tenderness appear in their eyes.
"Three idiots!"
Kicking the three girls away, Karasuba hugged her blade and walked off alone.
Completely oblivious, Chiyo, Musubi, and Futae were about to continue their discussion when they noticed the other girls surrounding them, glaring menacingly. Only then did the three fools realize they might have said something they shouldn't have.
"Ha… haha… everyone, we actually admire Master the most…"
The corner of his eye twitched as the three of them weakly defended themselves.
...
"We meet again, Six-Winged Seraph."
Holy, beautiful, and inviolable—standing once more before the powerful being that had taken everything from him, Sorayomi found himself devoid of anger or fervor, replaced instead by an eerie calm.
"Young man, in billions of years, you are the first human to appear before me again."
Though a creation of the Heavenly Dao, the Six-Winged Seraph possessed the intelligence of a normal human and could communicate with them effortlessly.
Moreover, its holy aura and flawless visage made even the simplest words feel soul-stirring.
The being Sora referred to as the Six-Winged Seraph wore a pure, untainted smile, its golden eyes gazing at Sora with a hint of faint admiration.
"Is that so? But I don't feel particularly honored."
"You have your duty, and I have my conviction. No need for more words—let's fight!"
With a wave of his right hand, the King's Sword materialized in mid-air, gleaming with a cold light. An overwhelming aura erupted from Sora's body, as if it could pierce the heavens themselves.
"Have you found your power? Unfortunately, it's still not enough, young man. If you can't defeat me, this world has no future."
A holy light burst forth, enveloping the Six-Winged Seraph like a golden egg. Sensing Sora's power, it seemed to carry a trace of inexplicable regret.
"Heh, is that so? You'll never know unless you try!"
A smirk tugged at the corner of Sora's lips as electricity crackled along the King's Sword. Without holding back, Sora's figure flashed forward, slashing directly at the Seraph.